Fall protection for construction is #1 again

Fall protection for construction ranked #1 in OSHA’s Top 10 for the 14^th consecutive year, with over 6,300 violations of 1926.501. It’s one of the easiest violations for an OSHA compliance officer to spot. A drive through most any residential area often reveals workers without the required fall protection for activities six feet or more above a lower level.

What are the fall protection requirements for construction?

Virtually all construction companies are required to follow some provisions of the fall protection rule at 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. The rule sets a threshold height of six feet, meaning that employers must protect employees from fall hazards and falling objects whenever an affected employee is six feet or more above a lower level. Although not all employees may be working six feet or more above a lower level, they might need protection from falling objects.

Protection must also be provided for construction workers who are exposed to the hazard of falling onto dangerous equipment; for example, working over machinery with open drive belts, pulleys or gears, or open vats of degreasing agents or acid.

Initially, employers must assess the workplace to determine if walking-working surfaces have the necessary strength and structural integrity to safely support workers. Once it’s determined that the work surfaces will safely support the work activity, the employer must determine whether fall protection is required per 1926.501. If fall protection is required, select and provide workers with fall protection systems that comply with the criteria at 1926.502.

Scaffolds and ladders also in Top 10

If an employee is working on a scaffold, the height requirement for fall protection is 10 feet, and this protection is usually provided by a guardrail (1926.451(g)). When working from a ladder, the fall protection is setting up and using the ladder correctly per the regulations at 1926 Subpart X—Stairways and ladders. Safe ladder use is found in 1926.1053(b). There is no other fall protection required for ladders.

When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least three feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access. Other common violations are using the top step of a ladder as a step and using ladders for other than their intended purpose. 

Over 2,000 training violations in fiscal year 2024

Employees must be trained to recognize fall hazards and in the procedures to minimize them. Training requirements are found in 1926.503. Training must be conducted by a competent person who is qualified in the areas outlined in the standard. Workers must be retrained periodically, such as when fall protection equipment has changed or there has been a safety incident.

The employer must prepare a written certification record that contains the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer.